Hainan ups warning level as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches

Hainan's airports have conducted comprehensive inspections of power, water, and network facilities in key areas, including the airfield and terminals. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As Super Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of the year and the strongest globally so far, is forecast to bring extreme weather to southern China, the Hainan Meteorological Observatory upgraded its typhoon warning from Level IV to Level III at 9 am Tuesday.

Authorities in Haikou, the capital of Hainan province, have announced widespread closures to ensure public safety. All kindergartens and nurseries were closed on Tuesday, and all primary and secondary schools will be closed on Wednesday. The city's education bureau will announce when classes resume based on updated weather warnings.

All shipping through the Qiongzhou Strait was suspended starting 6 pm Tuesday, with a detailed resumption plan to be provided by transport and maritime authorities. All parks, tourist attractions, and scenic spots will close starting at 6 pm on Tuesday. All construction sites across the city will be shut down starting Wednesday.

Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, reinforce doors and windows, and stock up on essential supplies.

According to the observatory, winds over the northern part of the South China Sea are expected to increase to force 14 to 17 from east to west between Tuesday and Thursday. From Wednesday to Thursday, the northern and western parts of Hainan Island are forecast to experience heavy to torrential rain, with some areas seeing extreme rainfall.

City departments are mobilizing to ensure continuity of essential services. The Haikou Water Group has initiated a Level III emergency response, with more than 200 personnel across 37 emergency teams on standby. The company has prepared 47 generators, 489 emergency water pumps, and 42 emergency repair vehicles.

The Haikou power supply bureau activated a Level III emergency response on Monday and has pre-positioned 653 emergency personnel in nine teams, along with 45 generators and extensive cable supplies. Parent company Hainan Power Grid has assembled 90 emergency teams totaling over 4,600 people.

The city's commerce bureau reported that as of 10 am Tuesday, the combined vegetable inventory from major wholesale markets, supermarkets, and government reserves was about 11,827 tons, sufficient to supply the city for more than seven days. The Haikou Market Basket Industry Group has activated its emergency plan to ensure a stable supply.